If the Edmonton Oilers take the player deemed the best available by every recognized scouting outfit on the planet with the first pick at the NHL Entry Draft in Pittsburgh, they'll be walking to the podium with Nail Yakupov's name on a jersey, as they should. I know, this just in . . .

While there might be handful of dissenters among the people who actually assess talent for a living or a genius packing numbers that show the Oilers should pass on Yakupov because he scored an alarming number of his points in games where a suspiciously high percentage of the crowd was wearing long-sleeved shirts, that's the overwhelming consensus.

And it's a selection, not knowing or having seen the top-ranked prospects at the head of the 2012 draft class like Stu MacGregor and the Oilers scouting staff has, I can't take issue with. I might have more difficulty if the Oilers opt for Everett defenseman Ryan Murray, as rumblings out of Pittsburgh lead us to believe they might, but, again, MacGregor, Bob Brown, Kent Hawley and Edmonton's staff know Murray far better than I do, as well.

While I'm impressed with Yakupov's Sarnia teammate Alex Galchenyuk and think he better fits the organization's needs in terms of position, nothing trumps the need for a team that's missed the playoffs six straight years than taking the BPA. Here and now, Yakupov is that player. It doesn't hurt, in my estimation, he also has a swagger to him. This team could use some of that.

MacGregor didn't go out of his way to sing the praises of Yakupov in the discussions we’ve had, but I believe he sees the dynamic winger as the BPA as well, regardless of all the talk about this selection being a far closer call than it was with Taylor Hall in 2010 or Ryan Nugent-Hopkins in 2011.

Blowing smoke, I say. All hail Nail.

HOW HE RATES

NHL Central Scouting: No. 1 among North American skaters

The Hockey News: No. 1

McKeen's Hockey: No. 1

Red Line Report: No. 1

TSN: No. 1

THE SKINNY FROM CSS

In 2011-12, he recorded 69 points (31-38-69) in 42 games for Sarnia, leading the team with 12 power-play goals and a plus-15 rating in an injury-shortened season.

In 2010-11, he led his team and Ontario Hockey League rookies in scoring with 101 points (49-52-101) in 65 games. It was the most points by a first-year player since Patrick Kane had 145 points in 2006-07. His scoring also surpassed Steven Stamkos' team records for goals (42) and points (92) by a Sarnia rookie. He was named the OHL Rookie of the Year and the Canadian Hockey League Rookie of the Year last season.

Yakupov represented Russia at the 2012 World Junior Championships. He tied for the tournament lead in assists with nine (0-9--9) helping Russia win silver -- he recorded four assists in the semifinal against Canada.

WHAT THEY SAY

NHL Central Scouting's Chris Edwards

"His first step and ability to control bouncing pucks, knock them down and make a play are the best of any of the guys in the draft, in my opinion.

"He really gets up to top speed very quickly and his hands are outstanding. Like Pavel Bure, Yakupov is dangerous every shift. He may not have been dominant on every shift like Bure was, but he created something every shift … you have to be aware where he is on the ice all the time."

MACGREGOR'S TAKE

Scouting Report: "He's a skilled and dynamic offensive talent. He's got over-the-top confidence, there's no doubt. As long as you can back it up."

Projection: "It's pretty safe to say he's going to be a player who plays on your top two lines."

Weaknesses: "He needs to learn the defensive side of the game and, like a lot of these young players, he needs to find consistency."

NHL Comparable: "He's probably a little bit like Valeri Kharlamov, for those who go back that far. As far as NHL players, people have said they see some Pavel Bure there."

Listen to Robin Brownlee Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the Jason Gregor Show on TEAM 1260.

A sports writer since 1983, including stints at The Edmonton Journal and The Sun 1989-2007, I happily co-host the Jason Gregor Show on TSN 1260 twice a week and write when so inclined. Have the best damn lawn on the internet. Most important, I am Sam's dad. Follow me on Twitter at Robin_Brownlee. Or don't.

I sincerely hope I'm toasting Nail as the newest Oiler tomorrow evening but my sister's best friend's cousin heard that the Oil are trading down and selecting Reinhart. That's pretty irrefutable evidence right there.

I realize this is probably the end of the road for this series, but was there any word from MacGregor on Griffin Reinhart and where he would project him?

Stu seems to have understated his projections a little this year, compared to last. Is he holding the cards close to the vest or is the draft class this year really is perceived to be weaker than last year?

I have always been firm about taking Yakupov first overall but with some questions. Today after watching his interviews at the NHL draft I dont think it would be a good move to draft him.

Confidence is good but he oozes arrogance and that is concerning in my opinion. Maybe im wrong but im making a prediction. Reinhart and Murray will have a better NHL season. They show confidence but seem very genuine, humble, well spoken and confident.

I'd be curious to know how these three presented character wise in thier interviews with the Oilers.

Yakupov has NHL talent but he seems like that type of guy that is more about himself and if he lets this experience and success go to his head even more come contract time or in the dressing room he is going to be a problem. I see alot of Omark's arrogance in Yakupov and to me that gets in the way of loyalty to an organization. Once again i reiterated confidence is mandatory and a important trait.

I understand maybe the organization wont base thier decision on that with the public pressure on them to take talent.

My overall preception and prediction
Rienhart and Murray will be successful steady defensive LONG term and bring character to a dressing room.
Yakupov will show flashes of brilliance,inconsistency due to his character and will see a few diffrent dressing rooms.

The Oilers are so very, very fortunate to have the fan-base they have. Debatable as to whether they truly appreciate it; I'm pretty sure 29 other franchise owners/general managers/public relations guys know it.

As per usual,the club has created a commotion when none was really necessary. Reality is that unless they're blown away by some sort of last minute offer, Yak is their man. Period. He's the BPA, a consensus #1, what's to decide?

I'm quite certain that management is aware of the fact that pitchforks and torches await them should they not draft the Yak. I'm equally certain that they red carpet will be strewn with roses should they somehow manage to draft the Gal along with Yak. Or even the Grig; with either, the top 2 lines will be cemented for the next 10 years.

After this draft, add judiciously via trade, free agency and trade, let the young D potential develop, stir well, and in 2016 say hello to Stanley.

We of great faith have waited since 06. It would be a shame not to stay the course...

I had a daymare during my evening nap; Oilers didn't draft the Tatarian son Of Jacob, and he went on to win more championships than them during the careers of Hall, Hopkins and whoever the douche was that the Oilers did take.

Stu says he reminds him a little of Valeri Kharlamov? Wow. Forget Bure. As us old timers know, Kharlamov may have been the greatest ever Russian. In the 72' series, he was in a class by himself, an incredible burst of speed, magic hands, heart-stopping finesse and hungry to win. Totally unstoppable - until Bobby Clarke broke his stick over Kharlamov's ankle. No way we win the series otherwise.
If Tamby says they will draft by need if the top two are equal he cannot pick Murray because Yak and Murray are not equal. The Oil liked Hall's hunger for the honour and responsibility of being the Number One pick. They should love Yak too.
Good column Robin. You amde my day.

Note: This team will not be good this year, we will not make the playoffs. But after that, It's nothing but cups. You have size on every line, Insane skill on the top two. The best vet line in the league, the best forth line in the league, a top PP, a solid PK, better goal tending than this year (anything other than habby is an upgrade) but a young defense that needs a year. After that year though. I would worry about the young age, But the Nuge Ebs line, so what if they're not two way (even though the numbers state they are) they get a bucket load of points. Hall, by himself right now backs off the defense, with size at center and Yak on the right, that could one day become the best line in Hockey. A vet hard minute shut down line at third, and a face off winning, body banging, high energy forth line. And all it took was a 1st round pick, a blue chip prospect, a proven second line center. If you think I'm being unrealistic and it would take more than listed to get the second round pick and Ellis out of Nashville, well we have more to give, I didn't mention Omark, Lander, a number of defensive prospects.
Sutton

wow talk about making bold statements,now he's a locker room cancer i have never heard that,why if someone has a little personality and not just the boring agent rehearsed answers do people start talking crap about a kid they have never meet!

Wow didnt think I would need to do this again..
Some still think Galchenyuk is a better pick than Yakupov..

-as 16 year olds, they played together, played close to same amount of games, Yakupov outscored Galchenyuk by nearly 20 points..and had a better plus minus.

-as 17 year olds Galchenyuk played 8 games including playoffs, yakupovs ppg improved and his plus minus took a huge leap forward.

How can someone possibly see Galchenyuk as the bettet prospect at this time? Cuz hes a center? So is Brenden Gaunce..Roughly same size, decent junior numbers..

He may turn out to be the best, but we dont know..
Too many excuses for everyone but Yak. Too many couldve, wouldve, shouldves..
Like..

-Galchenyuk missed season due to injury but wouldve been just as good as yakupov
-Grigorenko had mono, otherwise wouldve challenged for top spot no problem
-Murray had an injury, thats why he didnt perform well at the world juniors..
And oh yeah, Yakupov, injured his knee at the world juniors..ended the season only scoring at a higher ppg pace than is previous season..before injury was well on pace for over 110 points..

Yakupov is the only one that SIUTBUC'ed of whatever u call it.

May not be the best player in the drafy 5 yrs from now, but probably will be..if not, hes got enough character and skill and speed to be a great oiler for many years..

I like Yakupov skill to knock pucks down, vision and puck control at high speed. On our aging Rexall ice pucks are bouncing all over the place.

Yak is definitely not as polished as Taylor Hall and I hope media leave him alone. Not sure how to read into his statement that he's ready to play in the NHL. That maybe so, but the way he says it worries me a little. What if he's not ready? Does he have a back-up plan? Hopefully, our scouts discussed it with him and its taken care of.

We may take a little comfort in seeing Yakupov so relaxed and confident a full day before the draft. He must already know, and the Oilers know, he's their guy.

All of Edmontons management group can't deal with the Krueger issue this week because they appeared so busy trying to botch this first round selection up. How many bodies would they require to get two things accomplished inside of one week?

We may take a little comfort in seeing Yakupov so relaxed and confident a full day before the draft. He must already know, and the Oilers know, he's their guy.

All of Edmontons management group can't deal with the Krueger issue this week because they appeared so busy trying to botch this first round selection up. How many bodies would they require to get two things accomplished inside of one week?

Any word on who the remaining interview is with?

well the answer used to be 2 bodies - Tambi and Lowe - but now that Mac is back we have 3

From a business perspective, it would be surprising if the Oil pick anyone else. If Nail ends up the most dynamic player out of this draft, the Oil win. If Nail ends up busting, the Oil will be able to look at their fans and say, we took the best player available. Until this organization develops a winning record, I would be very surprised if the Oilers took many risks.

Nail is by far the clear cut number one, you're gonna try and tell the fans that Murray or even Reinhart has been in play this whole time? A mini Ovechkin or Bure clone doesnt come along very often. I already have plans to grab a Yakupov jersey the minute he gets his Oiler number.

This guys got the steak and all the sizzle, him along with our super kids makes our team even more electrifying. He has already said he can play any position up front. I love all the aspects of his game, explosiveness physicality and swagger. We will all forget about this posturing and supposed drama leading up to the draft. Nail will be driving to the net and putting up huge numbers playing alongside an embarrassing amount of skill up front with the Oilers.

Oh man...umm...did he say Valeri Kharlamov? Holy crap! That is pretty high praise. I am now positive its Yakupov they are picking tomorrow. Regardless of Dreger etc saying other wise. I feel alot better reading this then I did a few hours ago.

You can not pick this guy. One thing I want to mention in relation to Murray is that I don't really seem him separating himself from the pack in terms of straight out d-man. Dumba, Rielly, Reinhart, Ceci etc. If he was a #1 true pick he would be like a Seth Jones. Not one scout said Murray was on that type of level and for me that tells me you can't pick for need if it was that close.

I talked to Stu about Reinhart and the Oilers like him. Can't say I got a definitive feel for how much. The kid moved a long way up in the rankings, but enough to be No. 1? I didn't get that feeling, despite Stu mentioning him in the group of five last week.

Got a stronger feeling about Galchenyuk, and that's why I included him. Could have done a six-parter, but opted to leave Reinhart out.

Tonight Edmonton should be leaving the candles burning to show Yakapov the way home to us. If not him then Galchenyuk. I'm getting ready to catch a plane to New Brunswick in about an hour, but trust me, I'll be watching the draft tomorrow night. God, I hope Tambie gets it right again with the pick.

I don't think the swagger equates to arrogance or anything of the like.

It's confidence in his abilities and himself. Nothing wrong with that AT all. It's actually refreshing to see a player who just takes it easy, and doesn't give all the canned answers most Canadian players come with - happy to be here, blah blah blah. The difference between Omark and Yakupov is that they're Omark and Yakupov - two different people with different skill sets. One is likely to be near elite, the other destined to play in the KHL, guess who is who?

Any chance you think the Oilers are interested or have any deire to take Galenychuk rather than Yaks? Someone on twitter was saying hey believe that the Oilers are blowing smoke to throw people off the trail and are hot on his heels. But then again as i heard today that they never invited him to edmonton like the others, and he wasnt interviewed by the team in pittsburgh

The oilers will not take Yakupov. Because they will not have the first pick. That will be acquired by Brian Burke. Along with the second pick from Columbus. And Rick Nash. For the fifth pick, Tyler Bozak, and the rights to Mats Sundin. Oh and some of the hot air that inflates Ol' Burkie's head. You know...cuz our winters are so cold?

Anyways, that's just the rumor circling the center of the universe right now. ;)

I just watched Highlights of some interviews on sportscenter and thought the exact same thing. Yakupov is a hoser and should not be drafted, character should definitely play a major factor Grigorenko #1

I'm sorry but to anyone who thinks the Oilers should draft Murray at #1, you need to stop huffing glue. Murray might not ever be a top 2 Dman. Good skater, decent defender, but very very limited offensive skill. If your taking a defenseman at #1, he better be the next Pronger.

I hope the Oil trade the #1 pick to Montreal along with Omark/MPS for their #3 and PK Subban. That way they can pick the best player in the entire draft (Galchenyuk) and get a top 2 Dman that fits the youth movement.

A lot of people are forgetting that Galchenyuk was hurt for nearly this entire year, and yet scouting still has him rated top 5. That tells you something.

RNH and Galchenyuk as our top two Centerman for the next decade sounds good to me. Look at any successful team and they have good players up the middle, complemented by wingers, not vice versa.

Wouldn't mind seeing them swap Gagner for Carolinas #8 as well and hopefully grab Matty Dumba or Grigorenko. However, none of this will happen, and we'll take a cocky Russian winger and have Horcoff centering the poor f*&ker for the next 2 years. Hello lottery.

There are alot of eastern media types playing down Yakupov as maybe someone whose stock has dropped. Based on what evidence? The hockey blogger whose 'name will not be spoken' now says Yakupov may have dropped to #3. Are there certain media types who are trying to talk the Oil out of selecting Yak #1 overall? StuMac was even sowing seeds of doubt earlier today.

Several people have suggested Murray reminds them of KLowe. That would not be a favourable recommendation in my view. Take BPA and be done with it. Trade for either another draft pick or for a D=man. Yandle would fit. My call on the draft and July 1 is another display of dithering from the chief ditherer. Someone needs to push him out of the way and get 'er done.

I really hope they pass on Murray. He is not what the team needs. If they are going d-man with the first pick then the best idea I have heard to land a top end d-prospect was on the 1260 morning show - trade the #1 to Boston for Dougie Hamilton.

On the flip side, I hope they are putting the rumor out that they are taking Murray as an attempt at leverage with Columbus........

....and Murray is going to lead us out of the callar? His 8-12 pedestrian minutes a night is hardy going to put a dent into the season. Ryan's not going to lean on anyone, he's not going to put up alot of points...he's a support player, nothing more.

We can only hope this is just some last moment posturing from Edmonton. Please let it be Galchenyuk or Yakupov, they are our only shot at an impact/elite player in this draft.

I don't think the Oilers are out of the woods in terms of assembling the talent level necessary to be a perennial Stanley Cup contender. Pittsburgh had four top 2 selections. They took Crosby, Malkin, Staal and Fleury. Each were can't miss prospects in their respective draft years. The Oilers should play it safe and take the can't miss guy in this draft year. Let Stu MacGregor maximize the value of the draft pick. It will be Tambi's job to find Dmen and power forwards to complement the talent, just as Pittsburgh added Letang, Goligoski and Neal via trade, Paul Martin via free agency, etc.

Will, I was going to make this suggestion, however next year's 1st + Gagner for Columbus's 2nd overall is an overpay. I would want a Dman back. I would throw in Peckham or Plante or Omark.

I would also look at trading Belanger to Mtl for Moen. I would try to sign Konopka this summer and add 2 NHL journeymen, with the hope that Justin Schultz chooses the Oil. I would look for Tootoo or Gaustad as other truculence options.

I would look at moving Eager to get a Dman, if unsatisfied with the UFA market. Sekera would be my #1 target.

I would hang on to Khabby as he could serve as a mentor to Yak and Gally, as long as he isn't "serving" them, lol. Then look at moving Khabby at the trade deadline if he has played as poorly as he has to date.

This all sounds familiar. Garth Snow, Tavares or Hedman, forward or D....

To me it seems like draft day is supposed to have a little bit of drama now, much of it the doing of TSN panelists. Yes they are the most informed, however, I guarantee their "insider information" tweets lead to higher TV audiences for the draft. No one could have believed the Oilers could take anyone but the Yakattack until Dreger posted one tweet.